Just back from BVI - found it over-rated
 

Just back from my second trip to Tortola.

I know that there are big fans of the BVI here but I felt as if I didn't know the secret password. We stayed at Long Bay Resort which was not bad and the setting was stunning. Even took a day trip to Jost Van Dyke. But overall I felt the the BVI's were lacking something.

Apart from stunning physical beauty, quiet and safety, here is what disappointed me:

1. The people -- not friendly, not service oriented -- even when you smile and say hello, you get the impression that they are not all that thrilled that you are there.

2. The accommodations: On Tortola, they are expensive and just average. Most of the rooms are in need of some repair or other.

3. The Food. This is a major disappointment: With the exception of a dinner at the Sugar Mill, I can honestly say I did not have one good meal. Food is just bland and the same.

4. The boat crowd: If you don't sail, you may as well not exist.

Won't be heading back again.

Bosoco, interesting observations. I won't try to rebut them because, after a half dozen trips to the BVI myself, I've decided to take a loooong (maybe permanent) break from the BVI. My reasons are quite different from yours because I generally go to the BVI to sail, and am not looking for a high-end hotel or dining experience. Nevertheless, even though I haven't spent much time on land, I have spent enough time as a land visitor to understand what the island has to offer beyond its shores.

As a sailor, however, I am curious about your fourth stated reason for not returning: "The boat crowd. If you don't sail, you may as well not exist." Are you saying that you were ignored by restaurants, bars, shops, hotels, etc. because they catered mostly to sailors? Or are you saying that the sailors themselves were rude to you? Just curious what your complaint is.

Thanks Callaloo: My reason for feeling this way is we met more than a few people who were chartering or sailing and that tends to become the focus of conversation e.g. what kind of boat do you have etc etc? where have you sailed? There is nothing unpleasant about this but after a few times you begin to feel if you are an oddball for not being a sailor.

Fair enough. We sailors tend to be a little boat crazy, and of course, finding others doing the same thing creates a common bond. I can see how someone might feel excluded -- but you shouldn't feel an oddball! After all, you're not the crazy one spending thousands of dollars for the privilege of what is basically a glorified form of camping on the water!! (And some of us do this at home too, most weekends of the summer, like I'm about to do starting tomorrow...).

I think the BVI are enduring -- and will continue to endure -- an identity crisis over the coming years. For years, it was all about sailing, and the quality of the facilities for land-based visitors reflected that fact (though there are a number of high-end resorts in the BVI; just not on Tortola). More recently, the government has been courting cruise ship traffic, which tends to alienate the land-based visitors and the charterers. Every sector of the tourist economy seeks to be attempting to grow, but none of the efforts are coordinated and the infrastructure isn't keeping up. As a result, there are lots of dissatisfied visitors everywhere. And worst of all, your rank and file islanders are left out, or worse yet, ill-treated. Not a happy combination.

With visitors like Bosoco (and me) voting with our feet, who knows what the future will bring.

The West Indians (majority of the population in the Virgin Islands) are a very proud and somewhat reserved people. They are not accustommed to making immediate friends. We have a home on St. John and it took us a while to make local friends. While the local economy relies heavily on tourism, I think it runs counter to that cultural reserve. Besides, it's their home. I'd think I'd be a bit weary entertaining guests everyday. I don't mind their reserve-- at least it's honest. Maybe try the U.S. Virgin Islands next time?

I couldn't agree with you more. We went 1 1/2 years ago and stayed at Ole Works Inn. I have to say the ocean and scenery was beautiful. We had a great time snorkling and visiting the Baths. BUT the people were NOT friendly. No matter how pleasant and smiley we were, we did not get that in return unless they got to know us after several days. We also had bad luck with a particular taxi driver changing his rate once we got to our hotel so from then on we were extra careful. Restaurants add or try to add tips that they call tax. So you have to carefully watch and ask if they included the tip already. They will happily lie to you about this. Don't post on the www.traveltalkonline.com board. They get very hostile when you don't post glowing reports. All in all a pretty place with beautiful Caribbean water but so unfriendly to tourists that I would rather keep visiting other places. I also agree with the comments about the food.

If you want beautiful and friendly and don't mind a heck of a long flight try Fiji. Its 10 hrs. from LA but the people are super friendly and the place is a dream. There are alot of Aussies and Kiwis who travel there as well and is pretty easy to be friendly with them as well. Just get a VB (Victoria Bitter) and kick back. :-)

Hi bosoco, we were in Tortolla for a week a few years ago and stayed at a reasonably price villa. What we enloyed about the island was the beautiful views, easy access to VG and JVD, and snorkelling. I think VG is more of our ideal destination and regretted not staying there instead. It is just so quaint, quiet, and pretty. White bay on JVD just blew me away (I understand that it is not as quiet as it used to be). When we are on vacation we just want to enjoy the beauty of the island and don't really care to converse with others etc. So the fact that there were a lot of sailors did not bother us. The service in the restaurants I thought was ok (Sugar Mill was outstanding). I did not think the locals were rude either. But again we were at a villa and did not have any contact with housekeeping etc. All in all we had an awesome experience and will go back (probably stay at a villa on VG).

I found this to be a very interesting post.

We went on our second trip (the 1st one was 10 years prior) trip to the BVI's in 2003.

Not sure what happened during that time period, but we did not find it nearly as fun or charming as we did the first time there.

I found exactly the same things wrong with it that bosoco did but to differing degrees (we found the people friendly - just not AS friendly as other islands).

It was hard to put a finger on just what it was that made it underwhelming, but we won't return any time soon. We had a good time, but there are lots of other places we enjoyed much more or that we have not yet explored. Hmmm.

the accomodations on tortola are not as high end as other caribbean islands and for some tourists not aware of this it could be disappointing..as a previous posted said, for years the BVI's have been, still are, a big hit with people who sail. this group usually are looking for a place to "crash" pre & post sailing the islands so upscale resorts were not a something needed.? that said i have stayed at Sebastians and Long Bay resort and enjoyed both/ not perfect but great people ( esp. Sebastians)i've never had a problem with the locals ( belongers )?.. in fact nothing but vey nice.. it seems as i have also found on St. John, that these are a very proud, low key group, not intrusive. yes, it takes awhile to get past the outer shell. have spent time on Jost and the island people there have been some of the best i've met,friendly,gracious,humble and can be lots of fun..just seem to be a bit reserved..at first. as for food...you're right ..this is not St. Martin but if i wanted such thats where i'd go... we can get that anywhere in USA.. i like to eat at more local places/some great food !! but everyone's different. the "boaters"?? yes some are one track but many are just someone from the "good ole usa" who's saved all year for his 1 week in paradise too.just a working slob like the rest of us..just ignore the anal ones,they probably bore every one they meet!! planning my next trip/10 day split..st. john usvi & jost bvi. hopefully 3/06

I founs the people on BVI very friendly and accomodating. However, I can understand how someone who does not understand the culture and the reserved nature of many ilsanders can get the wrong impression. Dont try too hard and just be yourself, and you would be amazed how many friends (for life) you will make...it just take time for them to size you up..thats all.